June 26, 2021 | By Lee Spencer

Alex Bowman triumphs over Kyle Larson at the Tricky Triangle

Kyle Larson’s loss was Alex Bowman’s gain at Pocono Raceway on Saturday.

Larson came one corner short of winning four-consecutive races when a left-front tire failed on the No. 5 Team Hendrick Chevrolet coming into Turn 2. Larson slammed into the Turn 3 wall as he watched Bowman sail off to the checkered flag.

Bowman’s third win of the season was also the sixth consecutive for Hendrick Motorsports.

“Yeah, I hate to win one that way, but hell, yeah, I'll take it,” said Bowman after career win No 5. “Super proud of this Ally 48 team. Man, we kind of gave the lead away. Were on two tires, just got super tight. Tried to hold him off as long as I could.

“Can't say enough about everybody at Team Hendrick right now, body shop, engine shop, chassis shop. Top to bottom, everybody is putting race cars on the racetrack.

Greg and all the guys did a really good job. We didn't run that good all day, so I'm kind of in shock. I don't know what to say to you guys. Hell, yeah, so cool to see all the fans out here. Always like to come to PA. It's a cool place day, beautiful weather, great day for a race. Heck, yeah, I'll take it.”

Kyle Busch finished .683-seconds behind Bowman followed by William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Kurt Busch, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, Larson and Keselowski. Larson will run a back-up car in Sunday's Cup race at Pocono.

“I guess disbelief still,” Larson said regarding his feelings after he was evaluated in the infield care center. “I don't know, a little bit laughable just because I can't believe it. Hate that we didn't get another win. Would have been cool to win five in a row. Just wasn't meant to be I guess today.

“Hate that we didn't get the win. Cool that Alex still did, a Hendrick car with another win. Cool to keep Mr. H's streak going, but we'll try to start another streak tomorrow.”

The fireworks started early at Pocono when Chase Elliott ran into the rear of Blaney’s car before the race was up to full speed. Ryan Preece received damage during the incident. Pole sitter Kyle Larson led the first five laps before his teammate Byron took over. Byron held serve through the competition caution on Lap 13, but two laps later, Keselowski misjudged a move by Cole Custer on the front stretch and destroyed the No. 41 Ford to trigger Caution 2.

Kyle Busch grabbed the lead on the Lap 18 restart and held on for the next nine laps for his third stage win of the season.

Logano gained the lead on Lap 30 with Kurt Busch in tow. The pair pitted 14 laps later, turning the lead over to Ross Chastain. Ryan Newman triggered the fourth caution after a single-car spin off of Turn 1. Kyle Busch stayed on track with Michael McDowell, Kurt Busch, Logano and Tyler Reddick. With a two-tire stop, Byron lined up sixth for the restart on Lap 58. Two laps later, Corey LaJoie spun out of control in Turn 3 after contact with Anthony Alfredo.

Kyle Busch continued at the point for the Lap 64 restart, but eight laps later, Chastain hit the wall to trigger caution six. While Kyle Busch elected to pit, Kurt Busch remained on the track and assumed the lead. He held off a challenge for Larson and collected his second stage win of the season on Lap 77.

Kurt Busch retained the lead for the start of Stage 3 on Lap 82 but Larson pulled out of line on the next circuit entering the Long Pond straight away and passed Busch for the lead. Busch regained the point—but only for a moment. By Lap 84, Larson was in control until he pitted nine laps later. Harvick was the first to pit under green-flag stops on Lap 90—and came for fuel only.

Bowman’s final stop came on Lap 94 along with Kurt Busch. Kyle Busch came in for service three laps later. Hamlin finally gave up lead on Lap 103—four laps prior to NASCAR calling eighth and final caution for debris on Lap 108. Kyle Busch cycled to the point with Bowman on the inside. With a push from Blaney, Bowman took the lead after the Lap 112 restart.

“Big thanks to the 12, I don’t think without that I could have won the race,” Bowman said.

Larson quickly moved up to second and pursued his teammate. With less than three laps remaining, Larson hunted down Bowman and eventually made the pass in Turn 2.

Over the next three laps, Larson had extended his lead over the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet by nearly a second before he felt the car tighten up. Bowman was apologizing profusely to his team when he saw Larson’s left front tire fail.

Larson said he felt the car change in the middle of the tunnel turn.

“Wasn't quite sure what it was yet,” Larson said. “It finally kind of shredded halfway through the short chute there. Couldn't turn.”

Bowman’s shock quickly wore off as the celebration started on the front stretch and quickly moved to Victory Lane.

“I don't know what to think about that, "Bad Luck Bowman" had some luck there (smiling),” he said. “No, I mean, the 5 beat us. Their misfortune, it happens. That's part of the sport. I'll take it.”